16/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - Merger. On Friday 13 May, the European Commission authorised the acquisition of Dionex Corporation by Thermo Fischer. Both companies are established in the United States and produce instruments, accessories and software for the scientific research sector (chromatography). The Commission examined the effect of this acquisition on competition in the ionic chromatography, high-pressure liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, consumables, related software and distribution. It noted that the two companies are not the closest competitors in this market sector and that the entity born of the merger would continue to face sizeable competitors and would not restrict interoperability between its measuring instruments and those of its rivals. (F.G./transl.fl)